[APP] Avanos, the first guest mode for Android - Android Apps and Games

One day when I was jogging, a little girl that looked scared and confused approached me. She couldn't find her mother and she asked if she could use my phone to call her. I thought to myself 'Sure, I'm helpful.' When I was waiting for her to finish her phone call, I noticed that she was swiping her finger on the screen. I was thinking to myself, 'Why does she need to scroll during a phone call?' I took my phone back and lo and behold, she was going through my pictures. I reprimanded her, telling her that she shouldn't be going through other's phones like that. I felt real bad that I had to take my phone back before she could find her mother, but what else was I supposed to do? It's not like there's an app that can do that.
That's when Avanos was born.
It's a simple phone dialer that locks the user in it so that no other app can be opened, fullscreen so that the notification bar cannot be accessed, It even closes the long home press automatically. It operates just like the built in dialer. After the person hangs up, it opens a password prompt that unlocks the phone and makes it go back to normal when the correct password is entered. I honestly think this is a revolution in Android. It can be helpful to coaches when kids that don't have phones need to call their parents, nice people who gives their phone out to others frequently, or as an everyday emergency phone.
So tell me what you guys think; I need the feedback.
Mod edit: No commercial advertising without free version.

Ooooh great idea!Congratulations!I wish i was an adult and could buy apps from play store.
Thank you
Sent from my LG-P880 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

It seems like a great idea to me. You might want to edit your post since its missing the play store link.
I tried the reviewer version. Unfortunately running cyanogenmod nightly 7/27 for the Sprint gs3 it won't lock. Press the home button it goes home, long press and task manager comes up.
Long press also still works on the menu button to bring up search and back button to kill the app. Not sure if you can fix that though.
If it gets updated for cyanogenmod would definitely pay the 99 cents.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

Related

[APP] Lock 2.0 unusable on Nexus One

I have had the payed version of Lock 2.0 since there was an option to buy but since I got my Nexus One it has now become pretty much unusable. The sad part is that it is better than the lock button that is on the top of the phone cause it lets you bring up the lock screen by pressing your track ball. I love all the different back grounds and sounds you can download and how they stay in a folder and not in your app draw (which is really annoying). Now the thing I don't like is that when you press the volume buttons when the phone is locked you can and will turn down or up the volume on accident and this is why this app is now unusable. Can it really be that hard to add an option to disable these buttons? I have emailed Android Apps and they say the reason the volume button does that is for when you are listening to music and thats great but whats the use if when you get a call or text and you can't hear it cause you turned the volume down to 0 on accident. I emailed them today again and asked if they could update their app and I hope they do. The reason I started this thread is so anybody could comment on this problem with I have to say is probably my second favorite app on the market. I will also email them a link to this thread so they can see what everybody thinks. One more thing on another lock app LockBot when you press the volume button the sound does not get turned down but I don't want to really pay for two apps that can do the same thing. Edit: OK they fixed it but their is a new problem with the home button.
isjr said:
I have had the payed version of Lock 2.0 since there was an option to buy but since I got my Nexus One it has now become pretty much unusable. The sad part is that it is better than the lock button that is on the top of the phone cause it lets you bring up the lock screen by pressing your track ball. I love all the different back grounds and sounds you can download and how they stay in a folder and not in your app draw (which is really annoying). Now the thing I don't like is that when you press the volume buttons when the phone is locked you can and will turn down or up the volume on accident and this is why this app is now unusable. Can it really be that hard to add an option to disable these buttons? I have emailed Android Apps and they say the reason the volume button does that is for when you are listening to music and thats great but whats the use if when you get a call or text and you can't hear it cause you turned the volume down to 0 on accident. I emailed them today again and asked if they could update their app and I hope they do. The reason I started this thread is so anybody could comment on this problem with I have to say is probably my second favorite app on the market. I will also email them a link to this thread so they can see what everybody thinks. One more thing on another lock app LockBot when you press the volume button the sound does not get turned down but I don't want to really pay for two apps that can do the same thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What rom are you using?
Cyanogens latest has an option for trackball wake-up (and of course that mod can be applied to other roms as well) if that is indeed the biggest thing about it you like. I personally never saw the need to change my lockscreen from stock, but can understand why some people do.
I am using the stock rom, I didn't want to root this phone since you void your warranty and mine is pretty messed up I should get a replacement this week. Also I am glad Cyanogen added that and that tells you it is a problem in the stock or he wouldn't have had to improve on it. So people like me only have the option of downloading an app to get the same results. Also I have used a rooted phone before, I had been using my Google Ion rooted for about 6 months before I got my Nexus One.
Ok I just got an email from the developer and they have disabled the volume buttons by default on the new version that was fast. Now there is a weird problem where even after you set the Launcher as the default for your home button it still keeps opening Lock 2.0, its really annoying but I already told them so I'm sure they will fix it. Now if only Google would respond like this for their "Support Forums" on fixing the 3G and Touchscreen problems the world would be a better place.
I understand the issue with the volume keys. I don't listen to music so i installed the app (ringer mode locker) by kaa from the market. It overrides the system setting and locks on your choose of settings: vibrate, ringer silent etc. If you volume up or down it stays on you set point. I like if because it is not a background app using extra battery trying to monitor a set point.
isjr said:
Ok I just got an email from the developer and they have disabled the volume buttons by default on the new version that was fast. Now there is a weird problem where even after you set the Launcher as the default for your home button it still keeps opening Lock 2.0, its really annoying but I already told them so I'm sure they will fix it. Now if only Google would respond like this for their "Support Forums" on fixing the 3G and Touchscreen problems the world would be a better place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please don't critisize Google like this, 3G issues and Touchscreen problems are not simple applications in which code can be modified to turn off the "Volume" buttons.. I've noticed the employees on their forums try to solve things to the best of their abilities - but Google can not just correct everything as if it takes a small flick of the wrist, or click of a mouse...
Honestly I don't see how they will fix any 3G issue entierly without modifiying the insides of the phone.. guess I dont know enough about phones to make such a conclusion anyways.
isjr said:
Now there is a weird problem where even after you set the Launcher as the default for your home button it still keeps opening Lock 2.0, its really annoying but I already told them so I'm sure they will fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I emailed them about this a couple of weeks ago. I told them exactly that and I got a "Steve Jobs-like" response lol..
"Something is wrong with your phone."
I even posted about it a couple of times in the Q&A section but got no responses. I'm glad to see someone on a stock ROM is experiencing the same issue because I thought it was due to using CM. Are you using an auto task-killer?
!!
I want to get rid of my lockscreen! its anoying having to press the power button then unlock the screen!
frankzua77 said:
I want to get rid of my lockscreen! its anoying having to press the power button then unlock the screen!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get "KeyGuard disabler" from the market. It costs 1.49 but does exactly what you want. I'm sure there are free versions of similar software too but this is only one i've ever tried.
!!
gIMpSTa said:
Get "KeyGuard disabler" from the market. It costs 1.49 but does exactly what you want. I'm sure there are free versions of similar software too but this is only one i've ever tried.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
________________
wow dude just tried it! works perfect! thanks man!
Meh....
After installing and trying to use it, I finally gave up. It has the potential to be by far one of the best android apps. The developer has designed programs that mesh with android so natively that I am jealous of his understanding. But even after a few reinstallations, this program never delivered. A replacement lockscreen must be more than just pretty. It wasn't sized right for the Nexus One screen and constantly froze "Updating List", even when I was just trying to unlock. The "Updating List" freeze causes a loop that just recalled the freeze when I hit home. There is no escape short of hitting menu, more, home, then selecting my home screen program. I would consider that a lock screen fail if I have to navigate a menu to select a home screen instead of sliding the sexy little slider over. I hate taking refunds from the market, but Lock 2.0 needs more work. If I see anyone saying it has been adjusted for the N1 screen and the home bug has been fixed, I'll buy it again, but until then, I'll stick with the just weather and toggle widgets.
I hear that Lock 2.0 disables notifications on the Nexus One. Does anybody know of any apps thats just as attractive as Lock 2.0 that doesn't disable notifications or freeze.. etc.. (something iphone-ish i guess)
Any news about the home button bug bypassing the lock screen in Lock 2.0?
As far as a can tell its been working good and the dev added the option to clear the home screen default if it does it again. Its pretty sad that he left it messed up for months until I sent him the link to this thread.
Sent from my Nexus One
isjr said:
As far as a can tell its been working good and the dev added the option to clear the home screen default if it does it again. Its pretty sad that he left it messed up for months until I sent him the link to this thread.
Sent from my Nexus One
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but I was referring to another bug (unless I'm totally mistaken):
When you turn on your nexus and you're still on Lock 2.0 lock screen, if you press the home button, it unlocks the phone without having to use the slider.
Hope this was clear...

I love my new Droid but...

The phone interface totally sux! Is there anything better out there? When I get a call I have to drag the thing over to answer. This is very hard to do with 1 hand. Also half the time the screen goes black and I have to unlock it or whatever. Is there any way to just tap to answer?
Making calls is 10 times worse, you have to unlock the phone, find the phone app, open your contacts, tap your contact, tap make call, and then tap call!! It’s like I have to type a freaking paragraph just to make a call! Is there any way to just press one button to open the phone and then press 1 button to speed dial??
Also I turned on Google Voice to make all my calls. It nice and I know how to turn that off, but now all my incoming calls it says "incoming call from so-and-so... Press 1 to accept" so I have to tape the dial pad, and then tap 1, adding 2 more taps just to answer a freaking call! How do I turn that off?
I love everything else about this PDA, but the phone sux! Please help...
---signed, frustrated
P.S. I think I used less key strokes typing all this than I need to to make a call! lol
Any chance they will improve this interface in v2.2??
Very constructive. And I see it’s your 11th post. It’s not a matter of being impatient. It’s a matter of missing calls because its nearly impossible to do while driving, walking a dog with a leash in one hand, caring groceries, almost every real life situation that keeps you from using both hands on your phone. And as I described it’s a lot more than the 1 swipe.
If you don’t agree with me you don’t need to reply but I find the swipe open to be unacceptable and I'm asking if there is another interface out there that is just a tap open. Or a way to map a hard key to answer the freaking phone!
I'm sitting here at my work phone calling myself over and over to "practice" answering with the swipe. I can do it with one hand but it’s a pain in the ass and just thoroughly a really, really bad design. There has to be an app or mod or something that does away with this.
I just saw the new "Rule the air" Droid commercial. Cool commercial... Notice the one thing they didn’t show anyone doing? Getting or making a call!!!
All these new devices are fantastic PDAs with a really bad phone function slapped on top...
BTW with an 2.2 Froyo official release or rom, when the call comes up theres no need to unlock or swipe, just a click of a button.
What are you running 2.1, 2.01/0 or 2.2? Why don't you try finding an app on the store or searching here? You never know....
So I literally called myself 10 times and practiced answering the phone with one hand. Then I went out to bars and got actual calls and it was like impossible to answer them. That drag thing is just ridicules!! You have to drag it all the way across the screen!! Cany they at least meet me half way?? Even with 2 hands it’s hard to answer!!
Come on, you guys all know this is true. This design is just awful!
I understand why they did it, so when you get a call while it’s in your pocket it doesn’t tap against something and answer when you don’t know it… but it’s just terrible!! And like I said making calls is even worse. It’s like a ton of taps so there is no way to make a call while driving.
The Bluetooth headset would help but we all know anyone that actually uses that looks like a total D-bag..
So here is my solution… Someone will make a killing on this and it will make a mockery of the Android phone interface at the same time. We need a little, lightweight Bluetooth dumb phone that has physical answer and hang-up buttons as well as the full number pad that you can assign speed dials too like a NORMAL F-ING PHONE!! If this was out there on the market I would pay $100 easy for! Leave your brilliant PDA that sucks as a phone in your pocket and use the Bluetooth handset to actually make and take calls like a normal human!!
1. how tiny are your hands that you can't slide the bar down with your thumb?
2. i think there's an app called dialer one that will open a keypad where you can see all your contacts and spell their names out with the numberpad to make it easier
Just because some of you don't have the same issues as the OP doesn't give any of us the right to respond in this manner.
The OP has been called dumb, amateur, told he shouldn't have a smartphone; and the list goes on.
I personally have the EVO; there's not a damn thing wrong with my hands and I come from a very long time of smartphones. MORE times than I can count, I'm swiping the screen and not a damned thing is moving. By the time it unlocks, the caller is gone.
So until you have the same problem, some of you might want to get your head out the clouds and stop replying like these *smart* phones are perfect and the people using them are too dumb to know what they're doing.
On HTC phones with Sense you simply press a button to answer. No swiping. I'm surprised there's no app out there to do this on other Android phones.
Just cleaned this thread. All deleted posts are in violation of rule 2.
Please be aware of the rules before posting. Nothing constructive to say; then don't post!
WB
gtg465x said:
On HTC phones with Sense you simply press a button to answer. No swiping. I'm surprised there's no app out there to do this on other Android phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to slide to answer my phone if it's locked before I get a call. I prefer the swipe because I don't want to accidentally answer a call while the phone is in my pocket. That said, I would recommend the op check out the app I mentioned or root his phone and find a sense based rom
there are apps for this kind of problem search market and google
gtg465x said:
On HTC phones with Sense you simply press a button to answer. No swiping. I'm surprised there's no app out there to do this on other Android phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not be surprised, because there is an app to achieve this. It is called ed's Droid Tools.
I've used Gesture Search (by Google) since it was released on the Market for finding and calling and/or texting my contacts. Put it on your home screen, then when you want to call somebody, open Gesture Search then write their first initial with your finger (or thumb) then touch the phone icon to call or the message icon to text. Works well for me. Never tried it driving, but then again, I'm one of those guys who yells at idiots who drive and talk on their cell at the same time (it's illegal here).
The standard Droid UI doesn't have a skin, so you get the basic Android dialer. While I don't think the slide-to-answer is all that bad, I'm also coming from a Blackberry Storm, which was wicked-terrible when it came to doing... well anything, so I don't complain much about the stock android experience. One thing Android is good for though, is allowing UI replacement apps (ala Dialer One) so poke around the Market and I'm sure you can find something that changes the answer experience for you.
Love windows
Love windows
i am also fooled by android
power user any thing u want to do go with windows mobile
Droid9 said:
The phone interface totally sux! Is there anything better out there? When I get a call I have to drag the thing over to answer. This is very hard to do with 1 hand. Also half the time the screen goes black and I have to unlock it or whatever. Is there any way to just tap to answer?
Making calls is 10 times worse, you have to unlock the phone, find the phone app, open your contacts, tap your contact, tap make call, and then tap call!! It’s like I have to type a freaking paragraph just to make a call! Is there any way to just press one button to open the phone and then press 1 button to speed dial??
Also I turned on Google Voice to make all my calls. It nice and I know how to turn that off, but now all my incoming calls it says "incoming call from so-and-so... Press 1 to accept" so I have to tape the dial pad, and then tap 1, adding 2 more taps just to answer a freaking call! How do I turn that off?
I love everything else about this PDA, but the phone sux! Please help...
---signed, frustrated
P.S. I think I used less key strokes typing all this than I need to to make a call! lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey dude
to help you out with your dialing problem all you have to do is put the phone/contacts app on your homescreen. the way you described calling the contact is the same way you'd have to do it on almost every other phone so don't act like its a huge task.
organize your homescreens to your preference so that it could make your life easier.
also you can add people to your favorites list so you dont have to scroll through your whole contact list.
as for answering calls, its not that bad. you just gotta hold that green button and slide your finger over. I don't understand how that's difficult or why you'd need practice
phone doesn't suck at all bud
Hi There,
I was thinking of getting one of those because most of my calling during driving...
do you advice me to do so? i mean is the hardware bad? or it is just a matter of waiting for sometime to get an update solving all these problems?
Thank you in advance.

Reccomended apps!

Basically having seen the top 10 thread I thought that a thread where users reccomend just one app with a brief reason why.I will start
APP:Handcent sms
REASON:Fantastic app for messaging.Works better than the stock app for me.Also very customisable.Regular updates also and never experienced any issues of any kind.
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
APP: Contact Widget ABC Dialer Light
REASON: Good app for quick dial, solves the slow dialing problem but for only 6 free contacts, if you want 12 you have to pay. Only bad thing is you HAVE to have a photo of a contact to dial them and you can't customize looks of the widget yet, it's white and non transparrent.
WEATHER=Palmary weather app
download from palmary's site its the best and only weather app you'll need
I can't live without SuperDial. It runs circles around the stock SE dialer. I can't believe SE would put so much time and effort into customization and then completely ignore the stock dialer. Searching your contacts is overly complicated and even when you do finally get to the contact you want, it's like 17 clicks to even dial the number.
Yeah....SuperDial all the way. Best of all, it's free.
As a side note, there appear to be 2 different apps called SuperDial now. The one from episode6 is the correct one.
i think its time people get the "Goto" app -although it aint free-
its a lockscreen replacement app..
1) allows you to place any name you want on the top bar
2) includes date/time/weather temp -although im not having no luck with weather temp.-
3) ability to change phone volume from loud to vibrate to silent without even havin to unlock!
4) the swipe itself is like a swipometer.. you have messages, then call logs, then gmail and finally unlock..
5) Ability to change background image - although could do with being able to customize other features!
only saw SE swipes twice.. so far!
1st - when someone rang my phone whilst it was in lock mode.. swipe needed to answer
2nd - when i put passcode on, i thought id test just pressing the back key instead of entering my code.. and lo and behold the SE swipe showed up! lol.. i really find these as minor issues..
although i dont think this was meant to happen im actually glad it did lol basically when the lockscreen shows, if u keep hold of the home button, it shows the 6 previously used apps which you can go to without the need to unlock although once you back out of the app you chose to view, your back to the lockscreen again lol
for those who are bit off about the whole unlocking and then passcode thing, i just tried a quick test now and i can say when this phone is in lock mode, you can jus press home key and draw ya passcode and your then taken to homescreen also holding home key doesnt show previously used apps here so no worries about anyone bypassing security!
wasnt meant to be a huge review lol but though id cover most of the points so it makes it easier for people to decide!!
Hope it helps!!!
:::Edit:::
all buttons cause screen to power up during lock mode!
Ive attached a screenshot of my X10i lockscreen..
Uninstaller
reason: Uninstall stuff.
from where can I get the goto APP Search on the market but I didn't found it
goto
i found it and purchased it from android usa market... love it works great but all buttons cause screen to power up
Had to add that bit to my review.. guess its not really a good sign is it :-(
Sent from my rooted x10i via xda using swype!
nekkidtruth said:
I can't live without SuperDial. It runs circles around the stock SE dialer. I can't believe SE would put so much time and effort into customization and then completely ignore the stock dialer. Searching your contacts is overly complicated and even when you do finally get to the contact you want, it's like 17 clicks to even dial the number.
Yeah....SuperDial all the way. Best of all, it's free.
As a side note, there appear to be 2 different apps called SuperDial now. The one from episode6 is the correct one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried ThaiDial?
I found it to be better but superdialer is still way better than the one we were given with the phone. I didnt like how in superdialer when someone called me it would show their number with a 1 in front of it and then list it differently as the contact in my phone book

[APP][2.3+] Avanos, the first guest mode for Android

**My last thread got closed, should've read the rules, here goes a second try.**
One day when I was jogging, a little girl that looked scared and confused approached me. She couldn't find her mother and she asked if she could use my phone to call her. I thought to myself 'Sure, I'm helpful.' When I was waiting for her to finish her phone call, I noticed that she was swiping her finger on the screen. I was thinking to myself, 'Why does she need to scroll during a phone call?' I took my phone back and lo and behold, she was going through my pictures. I reprimanded her, telling her that she shouldn't be going through other's phones like that. I felt real bad that I had to take my phone back before she could find her mother, but what else was I supposed to do? It's not like there's an app that can do that.
That's when Avanos was born.
It's a simple phone dialer that locks the user in it so that no other app can be opened, fullscreen so that the notification bar cannot be accessed, It even closes the long home press automatically. It operates just like the built in dialer. After the person hangs up, it opens a password prompt that unlocks the phone and makes it go back to normal when the correct password is entered. I honestly think this is a revolution in Android. It can be helpful to coaches when kids that don't have phones need to call their parents, nice people who gives their phone out to others frequently, or as an everyday emergency phone.
So tell me what you guys think; I need the feedback.
Here's a link if you want to try it out, I don't know if it works for rooted phones. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mshaw.avanos8.lite

[APP][2.3+] Avanos, the first guest mode for Android

Hi all, I have developed a breakthrough in Android apps.
One day when I was jogging, a little girl that looked scared and confused approached me. She couldn't find her mother and she asked if she could use my phone to call her. I thought to myself 'Sure, I'm helpful.' When I was waiting for her to finish her phone call, I noticed that she was swiping her finger on the screen. I was thinking to myself, 'Why does she need to scroll during a phone call?' I took my phone back and lo and behold, she was going through my pictures. I reprimanded her, telling her that she shouldn't be going through other's phones like that. I felt real bad that I had to take my phone back before she could find her mother, but what else was I supposed to do? It's not like there's an app that can do that.
From that moment, Avanos was born.
It's a guest mode app that can act as a stealth mode when you need it to. When you use it, it locks the user into the app so that your other apps cannot be accessed, your recent apps cannot be seen, and the notification bar is hidden. It's helpful for a lot of things, such as when your girlfriend wants to go through your phone to read your messages. Just open Avanos and everything is hidden. It was designed to be a guest mode so that when others use your phone in an emergency nothing can be accessed. When they end their call it opens a password dialog. Enter your password and your phone goes back to normal. It's helpful when you're a coach, a parent or just a helpful person. Here's the free version of it: bit(.)ly/17NVKpz. Tell me what you think of it and send me a message if you're interested in getting a demo version of it.
Mod Edit: link - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mshaw.avanos8.lite
Seems like a great idea. Have a link?
Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk 4
Great idea.
Am interested mate....looks something innovative
Link??
Sent from my [email protected]£@×¥
Link plz
sent from don's a110 using xda premium
Sound interesting
I am interested in trying this app. However you need to include a link that works. The link in the text (OP) does not work for me.
Thanks
There's a link:
bit.ly/17NVKpz
nice idea...
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
---------- Post added at 02:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:42 AM ----------
Can't do anything much on the lite version, just a dialer without contacts. I am using Hi App Lock which do the job for me in locking all apps that I don't want others to mess up with. But would love to try the beta one please
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Great idea!
Reserved.
Here's a link: play(dot)google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mshaw.avanos8.adfree
Good
Enviado desde mi GT-S5570I usando Tapatalk 2
I use HiApp also but this sounds interesting. Going to try and use kid launcher as an alternative to hand my phone off. Will give this a shot.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
You have already a thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2383942
awesome
very good idea
Guest Mode in All Phones
Hi,
I have used your app and I must say that it works like a normal app locker. You can simply select an app that you want to lock and it remains locked till a password is entered. There are a lot of apps in Google Play that do exactly that.
However, the challenge that I faced with app lockers (similar to yours) is that when I want to use a locked app (such as WhatsApp), there are two steps of authentication that are involved. First, I need to unlock the home screen of my phone (all of us lock our home screens for any unintended usage), then I need to input the password again to unlock an app. This becomes quite a tedious process for any user.
Therefore, we have developed an app that is a combination of screen lock as well as an app lock. The procedure is that, once you install the app, you get to select all the apps that you want to mark as private and locked. The application then asks you to set a master password (which can be either a PIN based or Pattern based password). The application then asks you to set a guest password as well.
Once you lock your phone (or it gets automatically locked on screen off), the application is active. When you want to unlock the phone and use your master password to unlock, the screen gets unlocked along with all the locked apps that you had selected. Therefore, when you unlock the phone screen, you do not have to enter the password again to use the protected app. However, when you lend the phone to someone, just use the guest password to unlock the screen and the screen gets unlocked. However, all the selected apps continue to be locked. Thus protecting your privacy!
We have a patent pending on this feature and shall be adding more features to the app. You can download it from Google Play (just search for 'Guest Mode' and our app is the second one - developed by Pluggdd India). We would love to hear your feedback on this.
Guest Mode for All Android Phones (App)
Even I was waiting very eagerly for this version of Android and the Guest Mode feature. There are a lot of times when my kid uses the phone or some one borrows the phone to make a call. With the battery life of smartphones being so small these days, people borrowing phones is common.
However, I was always worried what all they may see on my phone once I loan it to them. The same was when my kid was using the phone. Once he clicked a picture of mine and sent to a random whatsapp group.
However, I must say that the new Guest Mode feature does not meet my expectations. There are a few reasons why:
1) The switch from Normal Mode to Guest Mode is not seamless. You need to get to Settings (which is a two step procedure), then go to 'Users' and from there switch on the Guest Mode. This easily takes a few seconds.
2) The switching of user takes more than 2-3 seconds.
3) Anyone can easily find that they are in Guest Mode (because the phone is completely empty, no history of calls, no phone numbers, virtually nothing). As a result of which apart from a kid, anyone can tell that you have switched modes of the phone. With the kind of friends and colleagues that I have, that would raise more suspicion and leg pulling than giving them the phone in full access.
I was always looking forward to this solution. However, I think I will continue to use the app that I have been using. The app locks all my applications that I deem need to be protected. It gives me two passwords to unlock the screen. When I open the lock screen with a master password, the screen gets unlocked as well as all the locked applications get unlocked too. When I lend my phone to someone, I open the screen using a guest password and only the screen and unprotected apps get unlocked. All the protected apps, such as my emails, chats, facebook; continue to be locked. This is so much of a relief, as the no one comes to know that they do not have full access to the phone. What I have read on their page is that they are also coming up with a fake crash in Guest Mode, that would be lovely.
In case you are interested, you can get the app for free from Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pluggdd.SmartAppLocker).

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